How and why did the Encomienda system end?

Answer 1

The Encomienda system gradually declined in the 18th century due to various factors, including increasing criticism from missionaries and reform-minded officials who highlighted the abuses and exploitation of Indigenous people. The Spanish Crown sought to reform the system to improve labor conditions and reduce the overexploitation of Indigenous populations, leading to the implementation of the New Laws of 1542, which aimed to protect Indigenous rights. Additionally, the growing colonial economy and the shift towards African slavery as a labor source diminished the reliance on the Encomienda system. Ultimately, these reforms and changing economic dynamics contributed to its decline.